-LRB- MarthaStewart.com -RRB- -- This is a collection of excerpts from `` Living the Good Long Life '' by Martha Stewart , published by Clarkson Potter .

Combine travel with exercise

I love to walk . But when I discovered hiking , it took walking to a whole new level . Suddenly , I found I could combine walking with my passion for traveling . In one sense , it 's just walking , but it takes me to new heights , literally . I 've hiked all over Acadia National Park in Maine , near where I have my summer home , but it 's fun to figure out where else in the world I want to hike . So far I 've accomplished a few major hikes , such as Mount Kilimanjaro , the Inca Trail , and Northern Sikkim . They were all so fabulous and memorable . Next I 'd love to do some trails in China .

My favorite workout

I started lifting weights many years ago , and I 've always enjoyed it . I like feeling strong -- I can literally feel the improvement after each workout , and I know that at minimum I 'm increasing my strength , my bone mass , and maintaining my weight -LRB- especially when I 'm making up for some delicious indulgence at dinner the night before -RRB- .

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Because I now have good overall strength and am usually pressed for time , Mary , my trainer , has me doing two-in-one moves that are really wonderful . For instance , I 'll lie on my back on a bench , holding weights in both hands and arms open perpendicular to the bench . As I bring my hands together in a `` fly , '' I bend one knee to my chest and extend the other leg with each move . The works the chest , legs , and core in one move !

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Take a different route every day

I almost never take the same route twice . I follow different paths through the woods or around the farm , and in the city , I wander down various streets to peek in on new restaurants or shops . I take new routes coming into the city so there 's always something novel and interesting to look at -- new architecture , a field , or a reservoir I had n't seen before . It helps the brain to always keep things interesting ! And you 'll never be bored .

Play games socially

I am not a big social game player , but the value of knowing a fun card game or word or numbers game to play when there is downtime is very beneficial . I like cards but have really never had a lot of that `` downtime '' to engage in poker or bridge or even canasta . I recently learned an easy card game called Gozo that can be played by up to five people , and uses two decks of cards . It is a lot of fun and very engaging . I do promise , however , to really learn both poker and bridge , and I also promise to one day have some of that elusive downtime we all dream about .

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Meeting my mother 's friends

When my mother died , I was astonished by how many people came to her funeral . It was standing-room only in this large Catholic church in Weston , Connecticut . Honestly , I had no idea how many friends she had ! I knew that she kept busy ; she was always writing letters , calling to catch up , offering to drive someone to do errands or see the doctor . But I saw that she was so extremely connected to the people in her town . Talking to these friends after the service was such as lovely , moving experience . They each offered me some little reminiscence of my mom -- stories , insights , and memories . We all need to work harder on social skills -- visiting , remembering birthdays , taking trips together -- with both friends and family .

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Create a bucket list

Keep a list of things you want to do or feel you must do during your lifetime -- and then checking them off before you kick the bucket -- is a really good thing . That 's why movies like `` The Bucket List '' resonate with so many of us . It certainly resonated with me . While on a photo shoot in Palm Springs , California , it was important to me to visit Joshua Tree National Park . Known for its incredible rock formations and its extraordinary vegetative wonders , it had long been on my `` bucket list . '' It was well worth the early 4 a.m. departure and the long drive into the desert . It is one of those places I will never forget .

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Just move on

There are any number of incredibly challenging things that I have to deal with every day -- I get mixed news on a financial report , or I have to make a speech in front of hundreds of people . So I long ago developed the ability to deal with stress : you just have to solve one problem immediately and , if you have to let off some steam . A good way to do this is by going for a quick walk . And then , perhaps most important , you move on . You do n't ruminate or worry , but keep moving forward . Life is a pile of problems that have to be solved one way or another , and the best way is to look at each one individually , figure it out , and move on .

Treat your feet well

I never wear the same shoes two days in a row . Rather , I rotate through high heels , medium heels , low heels , and flats . Also , I do not confine my feet . I never wear shoes at home , and when I 'm riding in the car , my feet are bare so I can wiggle my toes and give my feet some air .

I also walk barefoot on gravel all the time . I like to walk on all different kinds of surfaces , particularly when I hike . Practicing walking on uneven surfaces -LRB- safely ! -RRB- is good for foot health , because it strengthens the ankles and improves balance .

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Be proactive

Living well is not a passive act . It is imperative to be engaged in taking care of ourselves . In addition to exercising and maintaining a varied and nutritious diet , one of the most important things I do for myself is to make sure I consult the right professionals at the right times . I try my best to schedule my routine doctor visits and age-appropriate medical tests for the entire year all at once , using the advice of my primary-care physician -LRB- very important to have one -RRB- . That way , nothing gets forgotten and everything will be done when it should be . Get those appointments on you calendar now if you have n't already -- and see how good it feels to take charge of your health .

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Martha Stewart shares her secrets for living well and living long

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There is great value in knowing a fun , group card game

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Do n't just create a bucket list : Move on from ruminations